WHAT IS OUR ADVICE TO OTHER EDUCATION LEADERS?
TOP 4 THINGS YOU CAN DO

We came together, each with a leader from within our school or college who drives the social action, to answer an important and timely question:

“How can we make youth social action part of life for every 10-20 year old going to school or college in the UK by 2020?”

Our discussion and recommendations have been summarised into the following four headings. If you would like further details you can download that specific page from the report, alternatively the full report is downloadable at the bottom of the page.

1. PUT YOUTH SOCIAL ACTION AT THE HEART OF YOUR SCHOOL OR COLLEGE

Embed it in your vision and mission

Make it the lens through which the curriculum is learned

Appoint a senior leader responsible for youth social action

Over the past three years, the grades of the school have dramatically improved and social action has a huge part to plat in this. It encouraged the students to be interested and hard working in all aspects of life, including academic work.

Andrew Day, Executive Director, Northumberland CofE Academy

2. INSPIRE AND REWARD YOUTH SOCIAL ACTION

Recognise and celebrate social action in and out of school or college

Inspire students with role-models who are strong social action ambassadors – e.g. peers, ex-students, parents, grandparents

Recruit staff who are committed to social action and inspire other staff members to get involved

Character education is part of our core mission to deliver real social justice by giving all children, regardless of background, the chance to achieve their high aspirations. There is already inspirational activity taking place in schools I visit across the country, and I encourage more schools, colleges and charities to get involved in social action projects.

Rt. Hon. Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education

3. EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEAD YOUTH SOCIAL ACTION

Ask their opinions and harness their passions

Start as early as possible – 5 years old is not too young to make a difference

Work with local charities and employers to understand the local community and how young people can make a difference

Connect with other local schools and share best practice through your networks

Youth social action is a great way for young people to develop key character strengths and life skills whilst transforming their communities. I pledge to celebrate schools leaders who embed social action in their vision and practices and promote best practice sharing through the NAHT networks, so that all young people can fully participate, irrespective of background or need.